The Homeless Facility buy a brick campaign

Hello everyone. I’ve set up this page because funding from various organisations to transform my property into a homeless shelter is taking too long and action is required now. Another winter is going to pass where people will be on the streets, I don’t want next year to be the same, I’m asking for any help, no matter how big or small, it all adds up and is all appreciated equally. An online survey by Salford Council has published that “more people appear to be presenting when they are already homeless... rather than at the earlier stage when they are threatened with homelessness.” Since 2019, fifteen hundred people have become homeless, and will keep increasing as populations grows, and the affordability of a house becomes more challenging.   With the Homeless Project I aim to create a safe space where vulnerable people can feel safe and give a lift, when it’s needed most to progress towards a better future.   We can do this… we can be the face of change in our cities, every dream starts with a single step. If we all take this step together, then maybe this time next year, somebody will be taking a step out into a better future, because of the shelter, the support, the life skills and humility that we can offer to somebody who wouldn’t normally have that chance.   Here is a little background information of who I am and why I’m so passionate and determined, about this project.   My name is James, I was born in Salford in the late 70s and due to times of financial difficulties in my parent’s personal life, I was born in hardship first staying at my aunties  for the first few months of my life.   My parents got a council flat on Ladywell flats before we moved in together in a family home just off Langworthy Road, which is in the heart of Salford.   I remember well the conflict I caused with my parents, I didn’t know it back then, but have since been diagnosed with Severe ADHD, in those times it wasn’t heard off and wasn’t understood, the symptoms of overwhelm, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation caused me to behave disruptively, with frequent outburst of anger, and impulsive behaviour that made me difficult to handle and discipline.   Fed up of the constant battles, both the ones I caused with my parents and the battles I fought mentally that nobody understood, at age 14 I ran away from home  sofa surfing and  sleeping anywhere I could. I did this for a few hard weeks until my friends dad realised my predicament, and kindly let me stay with them until I had my first child and became a dad.   I really struggled for the next 20-years  of my life, struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and making some bad choices. To say I lived a colourful life, would be an understatement, I did many things, some of which I’m very proud of, and others not so much, I would even say remorseful as I often wish I knew and understood myself then, the way  I do now.   I always had my connections and felt empathy towards the homeless, and raised small funds for different charities with different challenges over the years, and my impulsive behaviour always kept me on my toes, but I remember the day my youngest daughter was born just before my 40th birthday. Looking into her eyes and realising that I didn’t want my children to grow up in survival mode, I wanted to make sure I was around so that they were secure and protected. I decided I wanted to better my life, and so, 6 years ago I was fortunate enough to be in the position to re mortgage my home.   Due to this, I bought small rental properties, worked hard on them, to maximise their value, and sold them on. I started to believe in myself and knew I could do anything I put my mind to. With all I gained from these small projects, I then purchased 19 Seedley Road, the old Regent Carpet Shop, which would have been my biggest renovation project to date.   My original plan was to refinance the building and build 9 apartments. Getting planning was going to take a lot of time. So, I approached a small homeless charity JVA and told them I had a big building with showers toilets lighting and heating, it was the month of October 2019 so I knew the cold months were coming, and I remembered how it felt to be homeless cold and hungry, and felt the need to help. We put to work straight away, opening a soup kitchen, an outreach centre (free furniture) and a place for rough sleepers to stay. What I thought was going to be 3 months turned into 12, during this time I didn’t realise it but I had found fulfilment, and purpose.  I then got outline planning and reluctantly had to close due to financial reasons. It give me an overwhelming joy helping the homeless, helping and giving has always been a deep passion of mine, and it’s one of the few things that motivate me and drive me. I started digging around to see if there were any local funding elements for a homeless shelter or refuge in Salford.   I altered my plans and took the train down to London to meet up with the met police (something a few years before I couldn’t have dreamed of). The Safer by design people down there put their spin on my plans for 8 self-contained apartments with the security for vulnerable people and domestic abuse.  There were several times I was close to closing deals, but for various reasons things didn’t work out. I had several setbacks, and was frustrated by almost being at the finish line but the goals post were constantly shifting… I then found myself back at square 1 again, and due to covid, various other reasons, such as funding processes and delayed applications, it felt like a never ending battle.  I found the fight in me and reminded myself why I was doing this, the building isn’t going to knock itself down and while I’m going back and forth, time is being wasted and let’s face it, time, especially for a homeless person is very valuable, and I’m so passionate about making this project a success. I decided to refinance the building and get this homeless shelter in Salford for Salford residents and beyond, up and running.  The project has already received many kind donations in terms of skilled labour from trades, non-skilled labour from helpful people, some building materials, fencing and a portacabin which has been received with the highest of gratitude. What the project needs now is funds. and with building material costs increasing by a huge 40% the original build costs have increased significantly, so this is where I look to you for help to make a difference to vulnerable peoples lives… This is by no means going to easy, it will be one hell of a journey and we’re going to hit some amazing highs and some sorrowful lows, but I know if one door closes, another door opens, and I truly believe with the backing of people from Salford, Manchester, and beyond, will have something we are proud of, something we have all seen the start of, and will 110% see the success of.  Please donate if you can, or you can buy a brick for the development.. plain Bricks are five pounds engraved bricks are minimum donation of 22.50.  Thankyou for your support  Love to all, James.